In 2023, off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders and occupants faced yet another devastating year, as the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) documented a total of 498 OHV-related fatalities. These grim statistics shed light on the alarming risks associated with OHV use, especially concerning children under the age of 15, who accounted for 19% of all OHV-related deaths. What’s particularly distressing is that even toddlers as young as three years old fell victim to these tragic incidents.
Courtney Griffin, the Director of Consumer Product Safety at CFA, expressed deep concern over the persistently high percentage of children involved in OHV fatalities. The fact that young children, including toddlers, are included in these statistics is nothing short of heart-wrenching.
Dr. Gary Smith, President of the Child Injury Prevention Alliance, emphasized the inherent risks associated with OHVs. These off-road vehicles, including youth models, are known for their speed and complexity, making them prone to rollovers and accidents. Dr. Smith stressed that children under 16 years old are ill-prepared to handle the demands of safe OHV riding and urged parents to consider alternative activities for their youngsters.
Disturbingly, the data from 2023 reveals that a significant portion of OHV fatalities occurred on roads, accounting for 67% of the total deaths. This raises serious concerns as OHVs, including All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), are not designed or intended for on-road use. Even industry groups have voiced their opposition to using OHVs on public streets and highways due to their inherent risks. Roadway crashes involving OHVs are more likely to result in multiple fatalities, collisions, and head injuries. Victims in such crashes are also less likely to wear protective gear like helmets and are more prone to carrying passengers, both of which are risk factors for OHV-related fatalities and injuries.
CFA has been tirelessly working to reduce OHV-related deaths and injuries for many years. Their efforts include petitioning the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ban adult-size ATVs for children, forming coalitions to prevent OHV road access, compiling real-time fatality data, and urging the CPSC to collect annual Recreational Off Highway vehicle (ROV) data. These initiatives are aimed at curbing the rising tide of OHV accidents.
In light of these alarming statistics and ongoing efforts to improve safety, CFA urges consumers to take seven critical steps to reduce OHV deaths and injuries. These steps include never operating an OHV on a road, ensuring that children under 16 do not ride adult-size OHVs, wearing helmets and protective gear, fastening seatbelts if present, adhering to the vehicle’s capacity limits, avoiding riding under the influence, and participating in hands-on safety courses.
To further raise awareness and provide valuable information, CFA’s partners at Prevent Child Injury have issued an essential ATV safety toolkit targeted at parents, helping them understand the risks associated with children using ATVs. Additionally, consumers who have experienced OHV-related incidents or injuries can report them to the CPSC at www.cpsc.gov.
The high number of OHV-related fatalities, especially among children, is a pressing concern that demands attention and action. It is crucial for all OHV users to prioritize safety by following recommended guidelines and taking the necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
If you or a loved one has been harmed in an OHV-related accident, it’s essential to seek legal counsel to understand your rights and explore the possibility of filing a lawsuit to seek damages for injuries sustained. To navigate the complex legal process effectively, consider consulting our national product injury law firm. We can guide you through each step and advocate for your rights.
Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by negligence. For your free consultation, contact our national law firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
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